A bird’s eye view of the Serengeti

Soaring high over the Serengeti was just the most incredible experience. A surprise trip booked by my husband for our honeymoon.

By Marleen Haverkamp | Last updated at 07 July 2018, 14:18

Float above Africa

It started with a very early wake-up call but an hour later we were climbing into our basket for a hot air balloon ride over the African savannah. We took off smoothly and within a couple of minutes were high in the sky. The rising sun cast golden shadows across the plains that stretched out for miles below and the serenity was incredible – it was so peaceful floating high above with only one other balloon in sight and the occasional sound of hot air breaking the silence.

Magical views

As the sun rose slowly above the wilderness the colours were spectacular, the view breathtaking and we had the perfect vantage point for game spotting – hundreds of animals below stretching, strolling, hunting and fighting for survival – our lasting memory is the lions looking up at us as we looked down at them!

Back to earth

The world was peaceful with only one other balloon in sight and no distractions, just us and a couple of other lucky travellers experiencing the world waking up in East Africa. Our pilot who had a fantastically cool hat was in control, pointing out landmarks to us and navigating towards them. After a wonderful hour or so in the air he brought us down to earth for a champagne buffet breakfast – the perfect ending to our trip and a wake up experience I will never forget!

Available in select areas throughout sub-Saharan Africa (ask us!), hot air ballooning is a romantic and exhilarating method of witnessing the stunning scenery of Africa. You may see some wildlife from the air; it is an especially amazing way to witness the Great Migration.